A PARK is to be lit at night, to allay the fears of commuters using it as a cut through and allow families, dog walkers and sports fans to get more out of the space.

The decision to install lights along two paths in Southfield Recreation Ground was taken at the areas ward forum on Wednesday last week.

Once the plans are signed off by the council leader within a few weeks, it will take about two months for the work to be completed.

Costing the ward forum’s entire £40,000 budget, the project will light the entire pathway north to south, as well as another from the centre of that path to the western edge of the park.

The paths were chosen after residents said they were the most well-used routes, in a consultation which drew 500 responses.

Worries that lights throughout the night would harm wildlife and attract groups of anti-social yobs have been addressed by using timers to limit the illumination to a few hours in the morning before dawn and a few hours after dark.

A review will be held within six months to see if any changes need to be made, including if more pathways should be lit.

Southfield councillor Gary Malcolm said: “It’s wonderful that this park, which so many people are fearful of at night, will now be lit up so people can get to where they need to go and use it for longer.

“It was good to see so many people responding to the consultation on this important issue.”